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Why will WiFi always be SLOW??

Techquickie@techquickie455.9K viewsJan 21, 20204:49
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Get an unrestricted 30-day free trial of FreshBooks at freshbooks.com Why do we still use the slower 2.4 GHz wireless band? Thanks, Joel for the help with today's video!

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The video opens by addressing a common question in home networking: why does WiFi still rely on the slower 2.4 GHz band when 5 GHz offers higher theoretical speeds? It explains that while 5 GHz provides more bandwidth and less interference in some scenarios, 2.4 GHz remains popular for several practical reasons. First, a large portion of client devices, especially older gadgets and many Internet of Things products, only support 2.4 GHz, which keeps costs down for manufacturers who ship devices with basic radios. The 2.4 GHz band also tends to offer longer range and better penetration through walls and obstacles, making it more reliable for many home layouts and IoT uses. In addition, many devices stack both radios for compatibility, ensuring that even 5 GHz capable devices can still communicate via 2.4 GHz when necessary. The segment emphasizes a strategic approach to network design: placing low bandwidth IoT devices on the 2.4 GHz band while reserving the 5 GHz band for data-hungry activities like 4K streaming, gaming, and high-speed transfers, which can significantly improve overall throughput. Finally, the video notes that despite 2.4 GHz being older, it will continue to play a vital role in homes and businesses due to cost, compatibility, and range, while acknowledging the ongoing advantages of 5 GHz. The conclusion highlights that understanding these trade-offs helps users optimize their networks rather than simply chasing higher advertised speeds. The host ties the discussion back to practical advice for everyday setups and teases further content on WiFi performance and deployment in future episodes.

Topics · technology · networking · internet_of_things · home_networking

Questions answered

Why does 2.4 GHz still exist in modern WiFi routers?
2.4 GHz remains because many devices, especially older ones and many IoT products, only support 2.4 GHz, because it is cheaper to implement and provides better range through walls, making it reliable for many home setups.
What is the practical network design tip given for using 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands?
Place low bandwidth IoT devices on the 2.4 GHz band and keep high bandwidth activities on the 5 GHz band to reduce interference and increase overall throughput.